In which century did the Gothic letter style start to develop?

The Gothic letter style, also known as Blackletter, began to develop in the 12th century during the late medieval period. This development coincided with significant cultural and architectural changes in Europe, particularly in the realms of art and architecture, which were largely influenced by Gothic cathedrals and their intricate designs.

The Gothic script is characterized by its dense and angular forms, which evolved from earlier Carolingian scripts. The 12th century marked a pivotal time when these letterforms began to manifest more distinctly, particularly in manuscript illumination and religious texts, where readability was essential alongside decorative elements. As the style gained popularity, it became associated with scholarly and ecclesiastical works, solidifying its place in European writing systems throughout subsequent centuries.

The other centuries mentioned do not align with the initial emergence of the Gothic letter style. While Gothic letters were further refined and popularized in later centuries, the foundational developments specifically trace back to the 12th century.